Progress: It happens

[Further]

I've been impressed with how the Blazers have been improving on their games, but especially the progress of Batum and Lillard.

Lillard seems pretty consistent on offense, but for the first third of the season his defense was atrocious. But recently, his defense has been getting markedly better, the kind of improvement you might hope for over several years. He still misses an assignment or a switch here and there, but overall his D has improved from shitty to passable.

Batum in his fifth year in the league has made tremendous strides in just about every category and in my mind deserves consideration as MIP. What is real exciting is Batum has been given the freedom to explore and attempt new things, even if failure results. This freedom I suspect is what is responsible for all this growth, and hopefully what will be responsible for future growth.

Wes and Hickson have both improved over last year, and Aldridge seems to be beasting lately, finally looking fully healed from the injuries. Many on the bench too, seem to be improving.

Thank you Stotts!

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Patience and consistency. Nate had neither (don't mistake rigidity for consistency), and Stotts has both. People thrive when managed in a patient, consistent style.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Seems like a new attitude on the team.